THE BLACK-FOOTED CAT 



possess examples, and hunters in the parts of the 

 country inhabited by it seldom mention having 

 observed it. Occasionally skins are seen forming 

 portions of karosses made by the Bechuana natives. 

 The Black-footed Cat is in size similar to an adult 

 domestic cat, and its description is as follows : 

 Pale sandy or bufF, becoming lighter on the throat 

 and under parts. Sides profusely marked with black 

 irregular spots, which on the shoulder and neck run 

 together into stripes. Top of the head dark, caused 

 by an abundance of short close brown hairs. Cheeks 

 paler, with two blackish streaks. Legs with three 

 black rings more or less weU defined. Soles of fore 

 and hind feet black ; hence the name of Black-footed 

 Cat. Tail comparatively short, spotted and tipped 

 with black. Length of head and body, 20 to 22 

 inches. Tail, 6 inches. 



When captured in the kittenhood stage this cat, 

 if kindly treated, becomes as tame as any of the 

 domestic breed of cat, and will not attempt to 

 wander away from the homestead if allowed its 

 liberty, provided, of course, it is taken into captivity 

 when very small. 



I obtained a kitten from Bechuanaland, but it 

 was two months old when captured, and although 

 it became tame and allowed me to stroke it, yet 

 when I allowed it its liberty it instantly made for 

 the nearest cover in a crouching secretive attitude. 

 The colour of the Black-footed Cat blends perfectly 

 with its dry, buff-coloured surroundings, so much 



VOL. I 145 10 



